Fenugreek May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Fenugreek is a popular herb in Arabic and Indian culture.
Its a good source of soluble fiber, and has several compounds thought to improve blood sugar control.
Studies in both type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics have shown decreases in blood sugar levels by up to 13% after meals .
The weight of evidence seems to support these findings too .
Eating the seeds whole or in supplement form appears the most useful, but is not safe if pregnant.
The effective dosage is 2-5 grams per day.
Summary: Fenugreek appears to greatly improve blood sugar control in diabetics.
What Can I Eat To Keep My Blood Sugar And Cholesterol Low
Cutting out refined carbs and eating whole foods can help you lower these markers at the same time.
Q: My blood test shows prediabetes and a cholesterol score of 208 mg/dl . Im finding it difficult to know what to eat because the recommended diets for these conditions seem contrary. For example, fruit is said to be acceptable on a low-cholesterol diet but not on a low-blood-sugar one, while meat is the opposite. How can I balance this out?
Many people who have high blood sugar also have high cholesterol levels. However, both can be managed with a healthy diet. Whats more, for some, its possible to reverse prediabetes through diet and lifestyle changes .
Its common to see misinformation about what foods are bad for certain conditions, including high cholesterol, prediabetes, and diabetes. Nevertheless, the overall quality of your diet is most important.
The three macronutrients carbohydrates, proteins, and fats have different impacts on both blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
For example, sources of carbs like bread, pasta, and fruit affect blood sugar more than sources of protein or fat. On the other hand, cholesterol-containing fat sources, such as dairy and meat, have a greater effect on cholesterol than on blood sugar.
Guardian Connect By Medtronic
Users need to change the Guardian Connect sensor every 6 days, although the transmitter is rechargeable. The system offers reports showing trends and patterns of glucose levels that a user can view on their mobile device and share with their healthcare provider. It also predicts when glucose levels may become too high or too low, so people can proactively manage their diabetes. The Guardian Connect is reportedly Medtronics most accurate sensor, with a MARD of 8.7%.
- checking blood sugar levels several times a day
- examining their feet to help reduce complications in the feet due to diabetes
- taking daily medication, including oral medications and injections
- doing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week
- following a balanced diet that helps stabilize blood sugar levels
Working with a healthcare professional to assist in proactively managing their diabetes can also help people with the condition keep it under control. A doctor can provide expert advice on diet, lifestyle, and exercise, with achievable and effective personalized plans. They can also tailor and adapt those plans, as well as diabetes medication, by examining a persons glucose levels.
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Get A Head Start On Protein
Breakfast seems to be a particularly good time to load up on protein. In a study published in April 2015 in the;Journal of Nutrition, people with diabetes who ate 25 to 30 grams of protein at breakfast had lower blood sugar spikes after both breakfast and lunch than those who ate less. Reduced-fat cheese and egg whites are excellent , according to the ADA. Other protein-rich ideas for breakfast when you have diabetes include a breakfast burrito, for example. But because people respond differently to different;foods, says Champion, its important to keep tracking your blood sugar to see how various breakfast foods affect you specifically.
What To Know About Diabetic Macular Edema
Fiber plays a preventative role, too. Studies have found that high-fiber diets can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 15 to 19 percent compared to low-fiber diets, according to a March 2018 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.
Youll find fiber in plant foods such as raspberries, peas, and whole grains, according to the Mayo Clinic. Beans are another good source of fiber. People with type 2 diabetes who ate at least a cup of legumes daily for three months had lower blood glucose levels as measured by the A1C test, according to a study published in the;Archives of Internal Medicine. Beans also are an excellent source of folate, which is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, a common diabetes complication, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Men should aim for 30 to 38 g of fiber per day, and women should eat 21 to 25 g per day, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Food Items That May Help To Control Blood Sugar
When your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, carbohydrates such as cereals, pasta, fruits, milk, dessert and bread are usually responsible. When one is diabetic, a meal plan is very important because it guides you on what kind of foods to eat. It should be good enough to fit in your eating habits and also your schedule. A good meal plan should include:
- Glycemic index
- Carb counting
- Plate method
Foods with low glycemic index values are better choices for stabilizing blood sugar than foods with high glycemic index values. The glycemic index basically depends on the physiological ability of dietary carbohydrate to lower or increase the level of blood sugar in reference to the type of food consumed by the diabetic patient. Relatively high glycemic index foods have ratings above 50, and often between 75-100.
The purpose of a good meal plan is to help keep your weight on track, improve your cholesterol level, blood sugars and also blood pressure. According to past research & health educators from the American Diabetes Association , a healthy diet along with a healthy lifestyle of exercising to maintain a healthy weight can help to reduce diabetes type 2.
Here is a list of 45 foods that can help you to maintain/reduce your blood sugar:
Good Snacks For Diabetics
When you are diabetic, you’re usually advised to have five to six small meals per day, instead of three large meals. This allows your body to readily digest whatever you eat, breaking down the starches into simple sugars without causing a spike in your blood sugar levels. The snacks that you choose should be selected with this factor in mind.
All snacks which are enjoyed by diabetics should be low in calories and fats. They should also be low in salt. It’s relatively easy to prepare many snacks at home which are good for diabetics. For example, you could make your own kale chips at home, by placing kale leaves in your oven. Cantaloupe is a delicious snack for people who like foods that are naturally sweet. This can be cut into strips and stored in a reusable container in your tote bag.
When you’re selecting snacks, make sure you prepare and consume the correct portion sizes. For example, if a snack is three carrot sticks, do not have eight. Also avoid the temptation of adding a lot of salt, peanut butter, and condiments to vegetable snacks. They all taste good just as they are and you won’t have the right balance of nutrients if you have a lot of extra sides with your snacks.
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If My A1c Is Normal My Glucose Is Good
An A1C result thatâs below 5.7% is normal âs standards, but having a result below that number isnât the end of the story. Pregnancy, hemoglobin variants, anemia, liver disease, and certain medications can cause inaccurate A1C results.
Additionally, the A1C test is measuring your average glucose value over the past 3 months, but averages inherently do not capture highs and lows. So, you could have a normal average while also having abnormal glucose spikes. The A1C test should only supplement your regular blood sugar testing, not replace it completely.
When To Contact Your Doctor
Hyperglycemia can turn into a medical emergency like DKA and HHS that requires immediate intervention by your doctor or a local emergency department.;If you have two blood sugar readings of 300 mg/dL or more, or have blood sugar above your target range for more than a week, seek immediate medical help.
Signs of hyperglycemia include:
- Ketones in your urine
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
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Potassium Vitamin C And Fiber May Benefit Heart Health
Pumpkin contains a variety of nutrients that can improve your heart health.
Its high in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, which have been linked to heart benefits.
For instance, studies have shown that people with higher potassium intakes appear to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of strokes two risk factors for heart disease (
25 ).
Summary Pumpkin is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which have been linked to heart health benefits.
Tips For Healthy Eating With Diabetes
There are different types of diabetes, and no two people with diabetes are the same. So there isnt a one-size-fits-all ‘diabetes diet’ for everyone with diabetes. But weve come up with tips that you can use to help you make healthier food choices.;
These healthy eating tips are general and can help you manage your blood glucose , blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They can also help you manage your weight and reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as heart problems and strokes, and other health conditions including certain types of cancers.
Making healthier food choices is important to manage your diabetes and to reduce your risk of diabetes complications. We know that not everyone agrees on what is the best diet.
This is why weve reviewed all the evidence to put these tips together. Weve focused on specific foods, to make it easier for you to put these tips into practice and to complement whatever diet you decide to follow.
– Douglas Twenefour, Specialist Dietitian and Deputy Head of Care
We’ve based our tips on research involving people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you have a different type of diabetes, like gestational, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes or MODY, some of these tips are relevant to you. Its important, whatever kind of diabetes you have, to see your dietitian for specific advice.
Read Also: Normal A1c For A Diabetic
Things That Cause High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common factors that contribute to high blood sugar include:
- Overeating/eating large portion sizes
- Using old, expired insulin
- Injecting insulin incorrectly
Most patients with high blood pressure dont have a known cause. This is called essential hypertension or primary hypertension, Dr. Raja adds.
How Diet Can Improve Blood Glucose Levels
A big part of achieving a healthy blood sugar level is eating a balanced diet. A diet rich in healthy fat, vegetables, protein, grains, and healthy carbohydrates with minimal amounts of processed foods that contain added sugar is key for regulating blood glucose levels. Sugary foods and processed products are known to cause spikes and dips in blood glucose levels, which is why they should be avoided when trying to control blood sugar.
Also, if you are experiencing warning signs of prediabetes or are already diabetic, knowing the glycemic index of foods you eat can help you take steps to regulate your blood sugar level.
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Vitamin A Lutein And Zeaxanthin May Protect Your Eyesight
Its quite common for eyesight to diminish with age.
Fortunately, eating the right nutrients can lower your risk of sight loss. Pumpkin is plentiful in nutrients that have been linked to strong eyesight as your body ages.
For instance, its beta-carotene content provides your body with necessary vitamin A. Research shows that vitamin A deficiency is a very common cause of blindness .
In an analysis of 22 studies, scientists discovered that people with higher intakes of beta-carotene had a significantly lower risk of cataracts, a common cause of blindness .
Pumpkin is also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds linked to lower risks of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts .
Additionally, it contains good amounts of vitamins C and E, which function as antioxidants and may prevent free radicals from damaging your eye cells.
Summary Pumpkins high vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin contents may protect your eyes against sight loss, which becomes more common with age.
Awesome Foods That Regulate Your Blood Sugar
By Heather
Hypoglycemia, diabetes, or addictions to sugar can all cause blood sugar issues for people, but there are many foods that regulate your blood sugar that can help fight this problem naturally. I always hate to see people turn to medicine before food to fight high blood sugar problems, since there are so many wonderful foods that nature has given us that regulate your blood sugar. A healthy diet can fix an array of issues, and though no diet is perfect for all of us, there are some mainstay foods that help keep insulin levels down, and blood sugar level even. We should all be eating more of these, and focusing on the benefits they offer. I know it can be hard to turn down sweets, breads, unhealthy fats, and processed foods, but I promise itâs worth it. Eating foods that regulate your blood sugar helped me get rid of a lifelong addiction to sugar,fast food, and processed food, and even overcome a seizure condition. Add these delicious, nutritious foods to your diet and youâll see the effects almost immediately.
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Contains Compounds That Promote Healthy Skin
Pumpkins are loaded with nutrients that are great for your skin.
For one, its high in carotenoids like beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.
In fact, one cup of cooked pumpkin packs 245% of the RDI for vitamin A .
Studies show that carotenoids like beta-carotene can act as a natural sunblock .
Once ingested, carotenoids are transported to various organs including your skin. Here, they help protect skin cells against damage from harmful UV rays .
Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin. Your body needs this vitamin to make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy .
Moreover, pumpkins contain lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E and many more antioxidants that have been shown to boost your skins defenses against UV rays .
Summary Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock. It also contains vitamins C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help keep your skin strong and healthy.
Foods That Lower Blood Sugar That You Can Start Immediately
NursesPrime | 08/20/2021 | By NP Team
Foods That Lower Blood Sugar That You Can Start Immediately: Concept A Female Checking Blood Sugar Level.
Two leading factors that cause diabetes are a sedentary lifestyle and wrong food choices. It means that food can also be your medicine. It is no secret that most health supplements contain edible extract. So, there are foods that not only provide nutrition and can lower blood sugar, too.
Read Also: What Happens If You Stop Taking Diabetes Medication
Natural Ways To Lower Blood Sugar
Various ways can help lower blood sugar, with many of them involving food solutions. The most natural, healthy ways to lower blood sugar for the long haul include the following tips.
1. Eat appropriate portions of carbohydrates.
In other words, eating carbs in moderation is the easiest way to manage blood sugar. An appropriate portion is about 1/2 to 1 cup or 1 slice of bread products. Eating 1 to 2 servings in a single eating experience a couple times spread throughout the day is generally healthy.;
2. Choose quality carbs.;
Choosing plant-based carb sources like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains also include components that are correlated with actually lowering blood glucose!
3. Increase fiber intake.;
Both kinds of fiber, soluble and insoluble, help to drastically reduce the breakdown of carbs into sugar and promote fullness.
4. Balance carbs with protein and healthy fats.
Just like fiber, fat, and protein to an even larger extent, help slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
5. Eat foods high in chromium and magnesium.
Interestingly, high blood sugar is linked to deficiencies in these two minerals, likely because they help regulate the metabolism and uptake of carbs.;
Foods high in chromium include meat, whole grains, fruit, veggies, and nuts. Magnesium-rich foods are leafy greens, squash, pumpkin seeds, tuna, dark chocolate, bananas, beans, and avocados.
6 Add cinnamon.;
7. Try resistant starches.;
8. Consider a berberine supplement.;
9. Exercise regularly.;
About Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is growing significantly in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control stating that 9.4% of the country’s population has diabetes. Another 84 million have prediabetes, which can lead to full blown diabetes within 5 years if not treated.3
Diabetes can be silent, developing without any symptoms or indications that it is damaging the body’s organs. The complications from diabetes are numerous. Having diabetes puts one at significantly higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness. Circulation problems in the legs can develop because of diabetes, and in the worst instances, can lead to tissue death requiring amputation. Diabetes can also damage the nerves , causing tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the hands and feet. Diabetes also damages the filtering system in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease that could require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Symptoms of depression are more common in people with diabetes, which can affect diabetes management.
1 Diabetics Guide, 20 Foods That Lower Blood Sugar, March 23, 2018,
2 Harvard Health Publishing, Glycemic Index for 60+ foods, March 14, 2018,
3 Centers for Disease Control,
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